Staff and consultants
Muurrbay staff are often based in the Nambucca Heads office, but due to the extensive region we cover, we are often based on country. Currently staff are on Gumbaynggirr, Wonnarua, Worimi and Bundjalung countries. Also, since 2020 we may be working from home and video conferencing in order to keep supporting community-based language work and classes.
Gary Williams
Elder in Residence
After many years as CEO, Gary is taking up the position of Elder-in-residence at Muurrbay. Gary has travelled throughout the region advising on regional language projects, particularly Bundjalung. He now supports Gumbaynggirr language courses, advises on language and cultural matters across the region, is a regular guest on ABC Radio, and is a key participant in many significant Gumbaynggirr events.
Gary was a key member of the team whose in-depth research led to the publishing of the Gumbaynggirr Dictionary-Grammar and the Collected Stories.
When Muurrbay expanded into a Regional Language Centre in 2004, Gary stepped up to become a regional language researcher, supporting the revival of seven languages, including Bundjalung, his father’s language. Gary’s language and cultural knowledge and his deep understanding of linguistics saw him become a crucial element in Muurrbay’s support of NSW coastal languages. Gary can be reached at admin@muurrbay.org.au.
Brother Steve Morelli (Gugs)
Volunteer Linguist
Brother Steve (Gugs) worked with a group of Elders including Aunty Maggie Morris to form the Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Group in 1986 in Sherwood; this group grew into Muurrbay. Gugs’ voluntary work has included compiling the Gumbaynggirr and Yaygirr dictionary-grammars and working with Gary Williams and Dallas Walker on the Collected Stories. He has developed and taught many Gumbaynggirr Language courses over the years and is now on the teaching team for the Cert III in Gumbaynggirr language. He produces teaching resources and works with Muurrbay on developing new words and expressions in Gumbaynggirr.
Gugs has a Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Graduate Diplomas in Linguistics and Counselling. In 1996 his valuable work was recognised with the Aboriginal Education Award of Excellence from the Department of School Education, Aboriginal Education Unit.In 2019 Gugs was awarded the Patji-Dawes Language Teaching Award from the ARC Centre for the Dynamics of Language for outstanding achievements as a teacher and linguist collaborating with Indigenous communities on the New South Wales mid-north coast for over 30 years, working to revive and teach the Gumbaynggirr language.
“He has really understood from the start that our language and culture are completely intertwined. Developing the language to accommodate the needs of contemporary speakers was only possible because Brother Steve has always worked with us as part of a team, together adapting the language in ways that made sense culturally.”
Gary Williams, in nominating Brother Steve for the Teaching Award
In 2021 Gugs was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the Indigenous Community of Mid-North-Coast NSW. Gugs said he felt greatly honoured to receive the award, but the honour was one he shared with the local Aboriginal Elders and Community, who had shown great pride and ownership over their heritage. Gugs can be reached via stevejmorelli@yahoo.com.au
Luke Matthews
General Manager
Luke Matthews is a proud Aboriginal man residing and working on Gumbaynggirr Country. As General Manager at Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, Luke brings more than 16 years of leadership experience across service delivery, operations management, and technology services, with a strong focus on people, community outcomes, and organisational growth.
Throughout his career, Luke has built a reputation as a collaborative and results-driven leader, recognised for developing high-performing teams, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and delivering practical solutions that improve operational efficiency and service quality. His experience spans strategic planning, workforce leadership, business operations, client engagement, and continuous improvement across complex service environments.
Combining hands-on technical expertise with executive-level operational oversight, Luke has successfully led teams, managed critical service operations, and contributed to sustainable business growth through strong leadership and a commitment to excellence. He is passionate about supporting Aboriginal communities, cultural preservation, and creating positive outcomes through strong partnerships and community-focused leadership. Luke is known for his approachable leadership style, accountability, and dedication to building strong, respectful relationships within the communities and organisations he serves.
Luke can be reached at gm@muurrbay.org.au.
Anna Ash
Regional Languages Co-ordinator
Anna is returning to Muurrbay as Languages Co-ordinator. She is looking forward to reconnecting with Community members up and down the coast, supporting local projects, and publishing stories and teaching resources. Anna is particularly keen to support the development of Certificate Courses and their delivery by Aboriginal teachers.
Anna can be reached at languages@muurrbay.org.au
Michael (Micklo) Jarrett
Volunteer Gumbaynggirr Trainer-Language Teacher
Micklo is Chairperson on the Muurrbay Board and whilst no longer working in the Muurrbay office, he teaches Gumbaynggirr Language in the community and in many of the Muurrbay courses, including the current online class via Zoom. He is a qualified Early Childhood teacher, completed the Cert II and IV in Gumbaynggirr and completed a Masters in Indigenous Languages Education.
When Muurrbay expanded to become a regional language centre, Micklo, along with Gary Williams, was a researcher supporting the regional languages, sharing his passion for Aboriginal language and culture revitalisation and his ability to make language learning fun and engaging. He has taught Gumbaynggirr in pre-schools, schools and at Muurrbay and TAFEs. Since 2014 Micklo has been Head Aboriginal Language and Culture Trainer for the Gumbaynggirr Language Nest, managed by the NSW Department of Education and is currently Senior Education Officer for Aboriginal Languages. He can be reached at michael.jarrett@det.nsw.edu.au
Sharon Edgar-Jones
Senior Language Worker
Sharon is a trainer-linguist who heads up Muurrbay’s southern office and delivers Certificate courses in the Wanarruwa community. Identifying as Wonnaruah and Guringay, she was inspired by her Elders, and her mother in particular to revive her Language. In 2019 she completed the Wanarruwa Beginner’s Guide, with Albert Burgman, and is working on the HRLM dictionary. She has been working with Elders to teach Wannaruwa in a community group and is conducting research on the Language.
She has a Cert I, II and III in Aboriginal languages and a Diploma in Indigenous Language work from Charles Darwin University. Sharon can be reached at sharon.edgarjones@muurrbay.org.au .
Danica Burridge
Project Coordinator
Danica is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman who works as a Project Coordinator at Muurrbay Language Co-operative, where she plays a role in helping to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of the initiatives of Muurrbay.
In her current role, Danica is responsible for developing and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope. She works closely with language experts, educators, and community members to implement effective strategies for language learning and cultural preservation. She holds a Master of Indigenous Languages Education through the MILE program at the University of Sydney, strengthening her expertise in language teaching and revitalisation.
Danica’s vision is to see language thriving in community, spoken fluently, embedded in everyday life, and accessible to future generations.
Please contact Danica at: danica.burridge@muurrbay.org.au
Elijah Edwards
Gumbaynggirr Language Worker
Elijah is a Gumbaynggirr man living and working on Gumbaynggirr Country and is a dedicated and skilled Gumbaynggirr Language Worker at Muurrbay, working very closely with Giiguy Gamambi preschool where he teaches language to students and staff.
When he is not teaching language, Elijah enjoys spending time with family, playing footy and hitting the gym, swimming, and music.
As a Language Worker, Elijah uses an immersive, hands-on approach to language instruction, incorporating storytelling, song, and other culturally significant practices to help learners connect with the language in meaningful ways. Elijah also ensures Muurrbay runs smoothly, taking care of, whenever needed, the daily duties in the office.
Elijah can be contacted at: elijah.edwards@muurrbay.org.au
Nell Higgins
Linguist
Nell is a linguist at Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, where she works to support the revitalisation, documentation and teaching of Aboriginal languages across the North Coast of NSW. Her work includes language research, resource development, publishing, archiving and supporting community language programs that strengthen the use and recognition of traditional languages.
Nell holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts (Psychology) and Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences from Macquarie University (2022), with a strong focus on linguistics and language documentation. She has gained experience across several language organisations, including internships with the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), as well as volunteering in a bilingual school in Yirrkala, Arnhem Land.
At Muurrbay, Nell contributes to language research, transcription and resource development, and supports the creation of learning materials and publications for community language programs. She previously coordinated Muurrbay’s Gathang Language Certificate III in 2024, supporting the delivery of accredited language training.
Outside of work, Nell enjoys reading, hiking and bushwalking.
You can contact Nell here: nell.higgins@muurrbay.org.au
Brodi Taylor
Language Worker
Brodi currently works in Muurrbay’s southern office in Raymond Terrace, alongside Trainer-linguist Sharon Edgar-Jones, as a Language Worker and handles administration responsibilities. She has held this position within Muurrbay since 2023. She is a proud Worimi and Gamilaroi woman, living on Worimi country. She works in Muurrbay’s new southern office located in Raymond Terrace, alongside fellow language worker Sharon Edgar-Jones.
Brodi has recently finished her Certificate III in Gathang language through Muurrbay, as a student, before moving into a role assisting the language worker in the southern office. Brodi has just started her language journey and is looking forward to achieving much more with Muurrbay in the coming years. When Brodi isn’t at work she likes to go on adventures with her dog to the beach and spends her time connecting with family and country.
Brodi can be contacted at brodi.taylor@muurrbay.org.au
Julie Long
Julie is a trainer-linguist with over 20 years experience in delivering Certificate courses for Gumbaynggirr and Gathang languages with great success and enabling dozens of Aboriginal community members to graduate with a Certificate III in their language. As Muurrbay’s Regional Coordinator Linguist for many years, she has been responsible for managing staff and community language programs as well as being active in I.T support and publishing dictionaries-grammars, educational workbooks and sharing teaching ideas and games to make language learning fun.
CONSULTANTS
Albert Burgman
Albert is consultant linguist with Muurrbay. His most recent work has been to support Wanarruwa language projects. In 2020 he co-authored the Wanarruwa Beginner’s Guide with Wonnarua linguist, Sharon Edgar-Jones. In 2021 he co-produced with Sharon Edgar-Jones and James Wafer the computer based Hunter River, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Lexique Pro Dictionary to support the Wanarruwa language revival.
His heritage is Dutch and Irish. Born and raised in Wagga Wagga, NSW, he is a long term resident of the Central coast. Albert has nearly 40 years of experience working with Aboriginal people on their languages, mainly with language centres and in educational contexts. A qualified linguist and primary school teacher, he has taught in primary schools, juvenile justice, TAFE and university. For many years he has also been consultant linguist for Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre in South Hedland, WA, developing language databases, dictionaries in hard copy and computer based formats, and sketch grammars for languages of the Pilbara region.